I've been here twice now searching for a taste of home (Maryland) and will say that the food is what will keep me coming back. From the exterior it looks like you've been sucked into a time warp circa mid 1980's and once you're inside you will see the same. Ernie's opened in 1986 according to the menu and I'm not sure anything has changed over the years except for newer tvs and neon lights. The service was adequate at best. Clearly they have a regular clientele that keeps them in business and the Live Karaoke is what they come for on Friday nights. That being said I came for the crab cakes and they didn't dissapoint. Spot on with the right amount of lump meat and very little filler. Served with nothing on bun, just like they should be. Also tried the wings and steamed shrimp. The wings come in a variety of sauces but I ordered them "Maryland Style" which means they were dry with Old Bay seasoning on them. PERFECT! The steamed shrimp are tossed in Old Bay and were great too.
Will I come back? Sure, but only for the food. The chef clearly knows what he's doing even if the staff seems a bit lost at times and more interested in chatting with their favorite regular at the bar.
New bartender, "Bubbles" I believe was her name, is not someone you'd want your teenage boys to meet although they probably wouldn't mind if you catch my drift.